We recently worked with The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement celebrating their 40th Anniversary with a panel discussion on the future of the environment. The panel discussion, moderated by MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, sparked a fascinating discussion that ranged from the lessons learned in dealing with Quaaludes (yes, you read that correctly) to climate change, energy, agriculture, biodiversity and the public’s acceptance of science.

The entire discussion was fascinating (and worth a watch here), but there was one exchange that struck us as particularly memorable. In discussing public opinion polling on belief in climate change, Dr. Richard Alley pulled out his iPhone and waved it in the air saying, “It’s science that’s in there! Everybody knows this!” Dr. Thomas Lovejoy jumped in and brought Alley’s vivid point home by stating simply, “The American people are using the products of science every day. Why should they pick particular ones to disbelieve?”

Watch the exchange below and think about ways you can pull examples from everyday life to engage audiences and demonstrate your point. And most importantly: be yourself, be clear, and show your passion for the issue.